Obituary: Peter Taylor

Published March 27, 2012 at 8:26 am

Peter W. Taylor, age 63, of Isanti, died March 20, 2012, at Del Sol Hospital in El Paso, Texas.

Peter William Taylor was born July 15, 1948, in Malta, Montana, to Alfred and Dorothy (Lindner) Taylor. He graduated from Princeton High School where he excelled in track, setting a school record in the mile run. Pete served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1967-1971, and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam Conflict.

He worked at Crystal Cabinets, Cambridge State Hospital, Isanti County Sheriff’s Boys Ranch and most recently at Cummins in Fridley. On March 20, 1991, Pete married Kathandra Johnson-Carlson. They made their home in East Bethel and then Isanti. Pete enjoyed traveling, playing softball, collecting things (especially NASCAR items), concerts and going to auctions. He also liked watching sports on TV, especially the Vikings. Pete was a compassionate person who loved helping people. Family was central to Pete and his grandchildren meant the world to him.

Pete is survived by his wife Kathandra; son Jason Carlson of Isanti; daughters Kelly Taylor of St. Francis and Jessi Mertz of El Paso, Texas; brothers Rick (Linda) Taylor of Princeton and Al (Debbie) Taylor of Princeton; sister Lorene Peterson of Moorhead; brother-in-law Gerald Johnson of Pine City; grandchildren David, Kristina and Kelly; and by many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Al and Dorothy, son-in-law David Mertz, brother-in-law Dennis Peterson and niece Jenny Peterson.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 27 at Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel with Pastor Mike Flynn officiating. Pallbearers were Kathandra Taylor, Jason Carlson, David Peterson, Mandy Peterson, Nick Taylor and Greg Taylor. Interment was in Isanti Union Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Isanti VFW.